Key assessment

AC: Extension of existing infrastructure mainly takes place for roads (motorways): the total length increased in the AC-10 by about 1 000 km between 1990 and 2000. The motorway density is still much lower than in the EU, but the railway density is higher. Railway and inland waterway networks gradually decreased in length over the 1990-2000 period. Network length is, however, only an indication of its capacity. Whether capacity of existing infrastructure is optimally used before constructing new cannot be assessed. Therefore this indicator provides information only, and no assessment.

EU: Most infrastructure extension work is concentrated on motorways and high-speed rail (HSR). The total length of motorways in the EU increased by more than 12 000 km between 1990 and 2001, while that of HSR increased by almost 2 000 km. The length of the waterway and conventional railway network is gradually decreasing. The length of the oil pipeline network gradually increases. Network length is, however, only an indication of its capacity. Whether capacity of existing infrastructure is optimally used before constructing new cannot be assessed. Therefore this indicator provides information only, and no assessment.